Northeast Partnership honors Feibelman

Published 4:48 pm, Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Universal City Mayor John Williams, right, listens as former Garden Ridge Mayor Jay Feibelman addresses the crowd at the June 13 Northeast Partnership meeting.

Universal City Mayor John Williams, right, listens as former Garden Ridge Mayor Jay Feibelman addresses the crowd at the June 13 Northeast Partnership meeting.

Photo: David DeKunder / NE Herald

Northeast Partnership honors Feibelman

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Former Garden Ridge Mayor Jay Feibelman was recognized by his peers for his many years of public service at the June 13 Northeast Partnership meeting.

Feibelman served 18 years on the Garden Ridge City Council, 16 as mayor and two as a council member, before leaving the mayor's post in May after deciding not to seek re-election. He spent nearly half a century in public service, 48 years, including 30 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a colonel.

Universal City Mayor John Williams, NEP secretary/treasurer, presented Feibelman with a gift certificate from the organization, which is made up of several area cities.

“We've all known Jay for a long time and really appreciate all his participation and involvement in the partnership,” Williams said. “He chaired the partnership at one time as well. Garden Ridge has always been a strong proponent (of the partnership).”

Feibelman, 76, said he was honored by the recognition he received from his peers.

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“It was a good ride and I enjoyed it,” Feibelman said. “It's been a great ride and I appreciate this recognition.”

The former mayor said the NEP has come a long way since its formation in the 1990s. “I remember when this was nothing but a luncheon group, 12 to 15 members use to show up in 1996 and 1997,” Feibelman said. “It's turned into quite a force. I'm proud of what it has become.”

Williams said choosing a parting gift for Feibelman was not an easy task for the partnership members.

“We tried to figure out what we could give him that would be symbolic. One thing a lot of people do is award clocks,” said Williams as he lifted a small clock out of a bag.

“Well, he's got all the time in the world now. So I don't think you need this,” said Williams as he turned to Feibelman as laughter filled the room.

Williams said the partnership considered presenting Feibelman with a plaque, but figured that Feibelman already had too many plaques because of his years of military service.

“What we decided to do is give him something that's really meaningful,” Williams said. “So on behalf of the entire partnership we would like to present you with this gift certificate, Jay, and thank you very much for all the support you have given us over the years.”